The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the world’s most influential dance education and training organizations and is recognized internationally for the highest standards of learning and teaching. These classes are designed to motivate and encourage students of all ages and levels of ability through systematic measurement of progress and attainment. Students also have the option to study for and be presented for RAD Examinations or Class Awards at an additional cost.
By the end of the course students who were presented for the Graded Exam will:
- have achieved an award from the world’s largest ballet examination board
- gained qualifications that are fully accredited by the UK regulatory authorities
Melody Bear Ballet Classes (18 months to 3 years)
Melody Movement Early learning is a unique dance curriculum created by Jill Ewing which addresses the needs of children aged 18 months to 3 years. It is tailored to discovering and fulfilling the potential of each child, nurturing their creative development. Loveable teddy, Melody Bear, is the focal point of the early years’ curriculum, and all her activities, stories, ideas, and dreams can be told through dance and movement. The carefully planned learning experience of each child ensures a successful transition from one stage to the next. The Melody Bear journey ends at the Foundation Ballet level as the children wave farewell to her at their Graduation Ceremony.
Pre-School (RAD) Ballet Classes (3 to 5 years old)
This class is designed to introduce ballet and movement basics to children in a fun and relaxed way. These classes are inspired by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Pre-School Curriculum and adapted by our teacher. In each class, the students will enact through movement, dance, and facial expressions from a book or a movie story, for example, Sleeping Beauty or The Lion King. Story books and props are used to enhance audial, visual, and kinesthetic learning as well as imagination. These classes will help to develop confidence, rhythm, social, motor, and performance skills.
Pre-Primary Ballet Classes (5 to 7 years old)
This Pre-Primary syllabi develop students’ physical skills, stamina, creativity, expression and musicality using a range of sounds and musical styles. Set to engaging music, the gentle exercises teach the beginnings of the ballet technique in a creative and fun environment. A wide range of props are used to aid learning in all areas. This class also offers the opportunity to participate in class awards.
Primary Ballet Classes (6+ years old)
By this stage pupils will be able to choose to be entered for their first ballet exam should they so wish. Exams are not compulsory and many children decide to just move up, however, at M & L School of Performing Arts we like to offer the option of ballet exams to those pupils who are keen to focus on perfecting the syllabus. We believe that studying towards exams teaches young people self-discipline. It encourages them to practise and perfect the steps, and can motivate them to work towards achieving a goal that is tangible. Ballet encourages self expression, developing listening skills, encouraging children to follow instruction, learning to work as an individual and in groups, developing co-ordination, good posture, strength and suppleness. Ballet also provides a nurturing environment for the development of artistry and musical appreciation.
Classical Ballet technique is built upon and physicality and confidence are increased.
Grade 1 Ballet Classes ( 7+ years old)
This Grade 1 ballet class is for children who want to learn more about ballet, develop their dance technique and meet other young people interested in dance. By studying RAD Ballet at this level, students will learn technical, musical, and performance skills in ballet and related dance disciplines. These classes encourage students to enjoy ballet as a form of physical exercise, whilst also teaching timing, rhythm, and musicality skills. Classes will focus on dance technique and performance skills, working towards optional examination and class awards.
RAD Grade 3 Ballet Classes
RAD Grades 1-3 constitute Level 1 of the RAD’s Graded syllabus and are equivalent to GCSE Grades D-G NVQ level 1.RAD Grades 1-3 promote “feeling before form” where the children are unafraid to try out new sensations of spinning, leaping, and balancing. Musically inspired exercises motivate students to acquire a well-rounded understanding of ballet and character and promote joy in movement, sense of dance, and performance quality. The music for Grades 1-3 is a glorious collection of three centuries of dance music. Ballet encourages self-discipline and self-expression, developing listening skills, encouraging children to follow instructions, learning to work as an individual and in groups, and developing coordination, good posture, strength, and suppleness. Ballet also
provides a nurturing environment for the development of artistry and musical appreciation. Students start to learn Ukrainian dancing in their character work in Grade 3, and are required to wear the higher or Cuban heal shoe.
Adult Ballet Classes
This class has no gender or age limit. All are welcome from beginners to those returning to ballet. If you would like to get fit and supple while having fun and deepening your understanding of classical ballet techniques, then this is the class for you. Exercises are set by the teacher, not following set graded syllabus work. Students are welcome and encouraged to take part in performances such as Showcases and Productions if they wish to do so. However, these are not compulsory.